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DELLA
My parents made their monthly run to the bulk purchase store in Dallas the next day, and I always tagged along to pick up things like toilet paper and the protein bars I liked to keep stocked at my desk.
But I was thinking about Hayes all day, my mind consumed with thoughts of him and our day together. It felt like each time we were together, we got closer, and all I was seeing on the road ahead with him were green flags.
When I got home that night, I texted him and we made plans to go out to dinner Monday evening after I got off work.
When I walked into the office Monday morning, I was already looking forward to it, glancing at the clock and wishing it was five.
Edna was already inside at her desk, so I walked over and said, “Good morning, sunshine.”
She smiled up at me. “How was your weekend?”
I let out a happy sigh. “The best. How about you?”
Her response was a shrug as she took off her glasses and rubbed at the bridge of her nose. “It would be better if I didn’t have to find a replacement for my right-hand woman. But I think I finally have a job description written up. Will you read it over if I email it to you?”
My chest twisted at the thought of my replacement, and I resolved to talk to Hayes about the move and what I was thinking. How I was feeling. But I said, “Sure, I’ll read it over. I’m sure it’s great.”
Edna made prayer hands, and I chuckled.
“Can I get you a coffee?” I asked her.
“Yes, please.” She held up her cup already covered on one side with bright red lipstick stains. I grabbed it from her, taking it to the break area and making us both a cup like I did every day.
It struck me how much I’d miss this part of my routine. I liked making her a cup exactly how she preferred—two Splendas and one sugar with a splash of dairy-free creamer. It was something I could do to feel like I was taking care of her in return for how she’d looked out for me all these years.
I’d miss her just as much as I’d miss my parents and friends once I moved away. If I moved away.
With the weight of indecision heavy on my shoulders, I brought her the mug and set it down.
“Thanks, doll,” she said, winking at me over her computer.
I smiled. “Anytime.” And then I went to my office, imagining what it would be like to stay in Cottonwood Falls and continue working this job, knowing I would get to continue my relationship with Hayes. Maybe even move in together one day and get to see him every evening when I clocked out.
It was as blissful as being a little girl and writing my first name with my crush’s last name surrounded by hearts in my notebook. I could practically envision the curly letters in my head. Della Madigan.
It didn’t sound bad.
Would Hayes feel the same way?
I walked across the street to the diner to meet Hayes for supper just in time to hear the roar of his motorcycle coming down Main Street. Pausing on the corner, I watched him, head covered with a helmet, T-shirt fluttering in the wind, strong arms holding on to the handlebars.
He looked so hot like that. But it was even hotter when he pulled into a spot and took off his helmet, awarding me with his messy, dirty-blond hair and heart-melting smile.
I grinned back at him, feeling my whole body react to his presence with pure joy that competed with the radiant sunlight streaming down from a cloudless sky.
He got off the bike, setting his helmet on the seat, and I noticed there was an extra one there. My eyebrows drew together. “Have you had a passenger?” I asked as I walked closer.
“I’m about to,” he said, drawing me in for a breathtaking kiss. My head was so foggy with lust, I almost forgot what he’d said.
I stepped back, blinking back the fog, and said, “I’m not riding on that.”
He reached up, catching a curl between his fingers and then twirling it. “Not even if I promise a surprise where we’re going?”
I bit my bottom lip... Why was it so hard to say no to him?
“And if I promise to drive twenty or less?”